Betty Ann Adlesh

Betty Ann Adlesh passed away peacefully with her family by her side on August 2, 2023 at her home in Cypress, CA.  She was 85 years of age. Born to Ruby Ann Brannon Foster and Ishmael (I.B.) Foster in Fanshawe, OK on July 12, 1938.  She spent her first years growing up in Eastern Oklahoma until her parents moved to OKC in 1943.  She went on to graduate from Capitol Hill High School in OKC in 1956.  And by this time, she had grown into a beautiful young lady.

By 1960, Betty had two adoring children; Steven and Cynthia.  She was a single mom for many years; owning her own home and often holding down two jobs to support the family. Betty worked as a dental assistant, a receptionist at both Shell Oil and Holiday Inn and worked weekends as a sales representative in and around Oklahoma City. Betty met the love of her life- Dave Adlesh in 1967, he was a professional baseball player for the OKC 89er’s (Houston Astros AAA Farm Club). They fell in love and were married in 1969; moving to Southern California in the summer of 1969. Dave and Betty welcomed a son Darren shortly after.  They were thrilled to have three children now. In the early 70’s Dave & Betty welcomed many family and friends from Oklahoma for a visit to California. During this time, their home in California became the original “Hotel California”, as cousins, brothers, friends and friends of friends would show up- looking for some temporary housing- many had nothing but a suitcase.  Betty helped so many of these folks to get their legs under them while they became settled. She and Dave were the ultimate hosts.

Betty always made life as a kid exciting for her family.   For example- going to school in the morning during Christmas time; and coming home to a house that looked like Santa and his elves had been there all day decorating.  She would spend all day putting it together by herself. Holidays were always some of the best memories, because she put in 110% to make it special for her family. She was a great all around Mom volunteering as room Mom, team Mom or anything that had to do with her kids through the years. In later years that focus turned to her grandchildren and enjoying them as they grew up. 

Betty was never without a steady job. The only time she was not gainfully employed- she was taking care of both her Mom and Dad as they declined in health in the 1990’s. Betty traveled back and forth to Oklahoma to help care for her father Ishmael, who passed in 1996, and later moved her Mother to California to care for her until her death in 2001.  Betty worked well into her early 70’s  and became an activities director at Rancho Del Rey Retirement Community in Huntington Beach. She loved planning all the holiday parties; she and Dave made many friends and memories at Rancho. She loved booking the live entertainment and providing a party atmosphere once a month. It kept her very busy (and she enjoyed it) and was proud of each and every party she threw. 

Betty grew up not having a whole lot, and was always frugal in her life- but still made sure everyone had what they needed- and then some. It did not matter who came through the door; she was always quick to offer you something to eat or anything she could do to make you feel at home.  She always enjoyed shopping and looking for a good deal and it was usually to benefit her family. She was legendary at getting comps in Vegas without spending much and was  probably her charm and persistence that won them over. 

Betty’s greatest legacy is her loving family. 

She lost her loving husband Dave Adlesh in 2016 and was preceded in death by her parents Ruby and Ismael. Her little sister Norma Sue and younger brother Donnie.

She is survived by her three children; Steve Adlesh (Mary), Cindy Adlesh, Darren Adlesh(Kim) and Grandchildren(8); Ryan Adlesh (Shelby), Brannon Adlesh (Samia), Nolan Adlesh (Samantha), Quinton Adlesh, Andrew Haas(Jackie), Allison McIntosh(Craig), Aaron Adlesh and Jonny Adlesh. Great Grandchildren;(7) Cecelia Adlesh, Rory Adlesh, Lola Adlesh, Kennedy McIntosh, Luke McIntosh, Paige McIntosh, Clyde Haas… and one on the way!

Celebration of Life

September 9, 2023

2:30PM - 5:30PM

Linbergh Room

Long Beach Marriott

4700 Airport Plaza Dr 

Long Beach, CA